The Detroit Lions could use an upgrade at cornerback. There also just happens to be a rising star potentially available. So, naturally, the idea of the Lions acquiring Pittsburgh Steelers' CB Joey Porter Jr. makes all the sense in the world.
Porter Jr., the son of legendary Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr., has been disgruntled throughout this offseason as he looks for a new contract. The latest update, from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo on "The Insiders," is that the Steelers have made an offer to Porter Jr., but the two "sides are not close at this point."
It's worth remembering that this is the point in the offseason where a lot of last minute extensions start to roll in, and don't be surprised to see the Lions get in on that action with tight end Sam LaPorta and/or safety Brian Branch. Last year, the Lions extended wide receiver Jameson Williams the day before their Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers.
That is to say that a Porter Jr. extension could happen at any time, and all of this wishful thinking was for naught. But if things between Porter Jr. and the Steelers sour to the point where the only path forward is divorce, the Lions need to be a top suitor -- even if it takes until after the season.
Brendan Howe of FanSided named the Lions as one of the potential suitors for Porter Jr. in 2027 if he were to indeed become a free agent after this season. While a trade for Porter Jr. now would be exciting, it may be to the Lions' benefit to wait until free agency to bring him to Detroit.
Why the Lions could wait until free agency to bring in Porter Jr.
There's a pretty big elephant in the room that needs addressing. Swinging a big trade for a player, or making a splashy signing, hasn't really been general manager Brad Holmes' M.O. during his time in Detroit.
The Lions are currently on the salary cap edge, with potentially two notable extensions yet to be signed. Holmes also loves his draft picks, and has rarely ever departed with picks to acquire a veteran no matter how big the need. The Steelers would likely have a very high asking price for Porter Jr.
By waiting, Holmes can keep his picks, secure extensions, and evaluate what he has currently on the roster. You know, par for the course.
But something does have to give at outside CB. Starting CBs D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin are both in their 30s, and could both be free agents after this season. The former, who has an option after this season, is coming off an injury that required stem cell treatment in another country, and the latter wasn't even expected to be the starter when he re-signed with the team in March.
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Even if both play well, the Lions could elect to continue their youth movement by parting ways with both this offseason. Whatever money that could be saved between that and not having to worry about extending members of the disastrous 2024 draft class could soften the blow of paying Porter Jr.'s high asking price.
It's a gambit, as Porter Jr. could be traded to another contender and extend with them right away. But if the Lions can land Porter Jr. in free agency, they can have a proven long-term piece at CB without having to use up a high draft pick that could instead be used to land another long-term piece at a position like left guard.
The thought of waiting until next offseason to acquire Porter Jr. is definitely an uneasy one, given present day needs. Yet, it's one that can pay off in a huge way if Holmes plays his cards right, bringing the Lions closer to a Super Bowl during his tenure than they potentially could be if they acquired him right now.
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